Plenty to ponder for All Golds after first-game mauling by Cougars

THE All Golds travelled back from Wales with plenty to ponder after their 42-8 defeat by Valley Cougars in their opening game of the Southern Conference League.

The game was decided in the opening minutes of the second half when the Cougars crossed twice in three minutes to quell a fightback from the All Golds who had scored twice in the last few minutes of the first period to cut an 18-point deficit to 10.

Cougars built an 18-0 lead, which could have been more had Mike Hurley been able to master the strong headwind, missing his first three kicks at goal.

Lee Goddard’s kick sat up nicely for Zak Williams to score. Eight minutes later, they doubled their lead. Shaun Webber going over in the corner for the first of a hat-trick.

A rampaging run by Paul Bolger set up Joe Uren to score. However, the try was disallowed as All Golds had 14 men on the field, following miscommunication over a substitution.

Webber went over again for Cougars then Dean Higgs scored from close range and Hurley found the mark from the tee.

All Golds scored when Jack Uren exploited some thin defence to touch down.

With their next attack they scored again through Dale Cooper but two quick tries early in the second half gave the Cougars breathing space, Lewis Willacott skipping past some flailing arms to score and then a neat kick by Shane Lee set up Craig Lewis.

The next score took almost 20 minutes to arrive as Tom Warner made the initial break and Anton Ramsey was on hand to score.

The final score came with nine minutes remaining as Webber stood raced over for his hat-trick.